Man Jailed for Robbing Elderly Passenger at Knifepoint on Bristol-Bound Train

A man who robbed an elderly passenger on a train before threatening him with a knife has been sentenced to more than three years in prison following an investigation by British Transport Police.

Denzel Nyamutora, 25, of no fixed address, admitted one count of robbery and two counts of possessing a bladed article. He was jailed for three years and seven months at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday 9 December.

The court was told that the incident took place shortly before 2pm on Thursday 17 April 2025 aboard a train travelling from Weston-super-Mare to Bristol Temple Meads. While the service was stopped at Worle, Nyamutora boarded and walked through the carriage, spotting a mobile phone resting on a table in front of a 76-year-old passenger.

After briefly sitting in another carriage, Nyamutora returned and walked past the man again, taking the phone before moving away. When the victim realised what had happened, he stood up and followed him towards the train doors.

As the man challenged him, Nyamutora produced a knife and held it close to the victim’s face, ordering him to “f*** off”. The victim immediately reported the incident to station staff, while Nyamutora left the area heading towards Worle town centre.

Later, at Bristol Temple Meads, the victim approached British Transport Police officers to report the robbery. At the same time, railway revenue staff requested police assistance over a fare evasion incident. An officer attending recognised Nyamutora and was aware that he was subject to strict bail conditions prohibiting him from travelling on the rail network.

Nyamutora was arrested and searched, during which officers found two knives, one concealed in his coat and another inside his bag. He was further arrested on suspicion of possessing bladed articles and robbery. While waiting to be taken into custody, he asked officers: “Will I ever get to know who the victim was?”

Detective Constable Richard Day said:

"Nyamutora declined to answer any questions in interview so gave no explanation for his actions nor offered any sign of remorse for the impact his actions had on his victim, an elderly man simply trying to go about his life. Nyamutora planned his crime and targeted his victim. He was prepared for violence, carrying a knife in his pocket and having a second knife in his bag. He used the knife from his pocket, holding it towards the victim’s face in a moment where he could have so easily got off the train and ran away. I’d like to thank and commend the victim in this case, who has shown great bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation through to the end of the court process. I hope he can take some comfort from this meaningful sentence knowing that a dangerous man is off the streets."

Image: British Transport Police